Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has opened an aviation-themed nursery in Abu Dhabi as part of the airline’s commitment to provide world-class support services for its employees.

The new nursery joins a range of services provided to Etihad Airways’ employees to support their welfare and wellbeing, including the recently launched ambulance service, a full-service medical center, accommodation assistance and education support.

Located directly opposite to the airline’s head office at Etihad Plaza, the Etihad Airways Nursery was officially opened by Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ chief people and performance officer.

Gammell was joined by Moza Al-Shoomi, director of the child’s department at the Ministry of Social Affairs; Sue Jones, Kids Academy UK founder; Khalifa Faraj bin Hamoodah, Kids Academy UAE chairman; Samantha McClements, Kids Academy Group Nursery director; and Etihad Airways’ flying nannies and cabin crew.

“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our employees and their families, to provide them with the best-in-class support services,” Gammell said.

The facility also operates an out-of-hours "stay and play" creche service, allowing parents to leave their children in expert care during both the working week and weekends.

The Etihad Airways Nursery is operated by the Kids Academy, a multi-award winning child care provider with more than 14 years of experience across the UK and UAE.

Kids Academy offers British-based curriculum in line with the Ministry of Social Affairs guidelines for early years’ education in the UAE.

Etihad Airways’ Guest Services Officer Nouf Al-Shehi said: “The new facility is a tremendous support to working mothers, enabling us to have a successful career and a family life.”

Etihad Airways’ HR Business Partner Sanaa Al-Daoumy said: “Parents at Etihad Airways now have a convenient nursery facility, which meets their requirements and nurtures children according to the highest international standards.”